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| | Most games, particularly in [[blitz chess]], are lost through blunders: a move which results in the capture of one's queen or other valuable piece, or an immediate [[checkmate]]. A rapid mental algorithm after choosing a move but before finalizing it can sharply reduce the blunders and resultant losses. | | Most games, particularly in [[blitz chess]], are lost through blunders: a move which results in the capture of one's queen or other valuable piece, or an immediate [[checkmate]]. A rapid mental algorithm after choosing a move but before finalizing it can sharply reduce the blunders and resultant losses. |
| | ==Forking== | | ==Forking== |
| − | An effective way to capture valuable pieces is through the use of "forks", which is putting two pieces on the other side in jeopardy with one move. Forks by knights are often difficult by an opponent to anticipate or defend against, since the knight is not in a straight line of its targets. | + | An effective way to capture valuable pieces is through the use of "forks", which is putting two pieces on the other side in jeopardy with one move. Forks by knights ("knight fork") are often difficult for an opponent to anticipate or defend against, since the knight is not in a straight line of its targets. In blitz chess, it is important in particular to be vigilant against knight forks. |
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| | A fork which places the opponent in check is particularly effective, as the only possible response (other than capture) is for the opponent king to move out of check and thereby give up the other jeopardized piece. Forks that jeopardize the opponent queen are likewise effective. | | A fork which places the opponent in check is particularly effective, as the only possible response (other than capture) is for the opponent king to move out of check and thereby give up the other jeopardized piece. Forks that jeopardize the opponent queen are likewise effective. |
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| | A fork by an advancing, protect pawn is often overlooked by beginners, and should become part of the repertoire of every player. | | A fork by an advancing, protect pawn is often overlooked by beginners, and should become part of the repertoire of every player. |
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| | ==Stacking== | | ==Stacking== |
| | Stacking against an opponent's piece or strategic space is the loading of attack pieces focused on that piece or space. For example, stacking two rooks is considered to create more than double the power of those rooks. | | Stacking against an opponent's piece or strategic space is the loading of attack pieces focused on that piece or space. For example, stacking two rooks is considered to create more than double the power of those rooks. |